Storm decide against appealing McLean ban

“Melbourne Storm along with the majority of independent commentators remains steadfast in the belief this was an awful accident,” said Storm CEO, Mark Evans.

“However, in the interests of player welfare and to assist the game in coming together and focusing on supporting Alex McKinnon and his family, we won’t be appealing the decision.”

Evans added: “Melbourne Storm supports the current debate surrounding lifting tackles as one that needs to take place given ambiguity in the NRL Rules. However, due to the serious nature of the injury sustained by Alex, any debate should be conducted with respect and perspective at its core.

“The current code conflates lifting tackles with dangerous throws, which is confusing players, coaches, commentators and fans alike. When it comes to the grading of offences, taking injury into account is fine, as long as it is the result of an unambiguous and direct causal relationship between the offence and injury sustained – currently that is not how the code is worded.”